NUFF 2017 has 6 awards: the best international film, the best nordic film in age group <18, the best nordic film in age group 19-21, the best nordic film in age group 22-26, the best nordic film and the audience award. Every award is handmade glass statue manufactured by Glasshytta Blåst in Tromsø.
International Jury NUFF 2017
The award goes to a film that has a subject with a long history in fiction and fantasy. Whereas the film's writing and use of literary affectations presented through dialogue is reminiscent of Edgar Allen Poe, the careful compositions and detailed scenography - and even it's interesting use of focus and close ups - reminds us of the early work of Jeunet & Caro. The frame of the film is clean with harmonious colors, which makes it really enjoyable to watch. Together with a camera language that is clearly and accurately stated, the story is reasonably plotted, the logic is clear, and the speed is well controlled. This film is short, but with many layers, including suspense, thrill, moral principals, humanity and thoughts.
The films use of symbolism and well thought through placement of objects in the scenes, immediately makes the audience think about cannibalism, a feeling that quickly grows stronger as the film progresses, enhanced by the camerawork and imagery. The feeling that the main character is trapped makes us impatient for the film to show us what comes next, to just bring us the inevitable resolution, but the film dares to hold on a while longer, before flipping the story around on us; the hunter is revealed to be the hunted one. The sum of all this makes for a film that easily can be watched more than once.
For great writing, great art direction and excellent cinematography, the jury is happy to give the award to
Jack Ethan Perry
for the film
A Girl Goes For Dinner (UK).
NORDIC JURY NUFF 2017
Best film in category 18 and younger:
This film tells a story accessible to anyone who questions whether growing up means we need to stop playing. The jury was impressed by the cinematic combination of genres and production techniques there were used to create a film that was a pleasure to watch .
Kid Inside (Legebarn)
by Lasse Hvidt Freiesleben Laursen (DK)
Special mention in category 19-21 :
This mention goes to a short, precise documentary essay, about a personal, intimate issue, dealing with gender and body. A film that won in Gothenburg and then was invited here to NUFF.
I Think about it in the Shower (I duschen tanker jag på det som mest)
by Robin Nicolina Gustafsson (SE)
Best film in category 19-21 :
This film explores the longing, abandonment, and distress of the millions of children fleeing from war, some of whom are separated from their mothers and fathers by war. Connected only by a fragile online connection, the main character gives us insight into the intense contradictions and emotional turmoil facing a boy who must live with uncertainty and existential angst.
The jury was touched by the chance to empathies with kids whose stories remain largely untold. Shot confidently in long takes, the film featured good direction and convincing performances by the young lead actors.
The Conversation (Samtalen)
by Agnete Gradek (NO)
Special mention in category 22-26 :
This goes to a conceptual film, mixing music and images together in a daring and effective way, questioning political and commercial power. A film that also was the opening film of NUFF.
Skitzosatan – Lonely Wizard (Skizosatan – Ensom Trollmann)
by Andrea Conradsen (NO)
A timely film about the relationship between a young girl, her older sister, and her sister’s girlfiend.
Exceptionally convincing performances with carefully observed relationships between the characters, the film gives us a nuanced reflection of sexual orientation and growing up in increasingly diverse families. This is a Swedish/Norwegian production shot at Kvaløya just outside Tromsø.
My Gay Sister (Min homosyster)
by Lia Hietala ( SE/NO)
Best Nordic film
Awarded with 10000,- NOK by the Foreningen Norden, the Nordic Association that strongly supports Nordic collaboration, and work for a strong integration in the Nordic countries, based on the efforts of a lot of members around the countries. In Northern Norway, and here in Tromsø the understanding of common nordic issues is present, and we support NUFF with all our heart, and a Prize for the winner of the Nordic section.
The winning film is a mix of genres, and somehow it must have developed during the making of the film, just as the film develops for us as an audience. It has taken patience and conceptual focus, its personal, emotional, and manage to engage. It uses both animation and is a documentary.
Mum´s Hair (Mammas Hår)
by Maja Arnekleiv
NUFF 2017 audience award goes to
ASK NO QUESTIONS
by Hanna Suni & Iver Jensen from Norway